NCS Semifinals Preview

By Chris Jackson Wednesday March 4, 2015

Monte Vista vs. BerkeleyThe one seeded Monte Vista Mustangs have won two of three (including the regular season), but have mightily struggled in those contests. Since a 48-40 loss to rival San Ramon Valley in the season finale, it's been rough going. They struggled in a 69-63 victory over 16 seed Antioch in the first round and went to overtime with Castro Valley in the quarterfinals. However, they are one of the most resilient teams in the area. Star guards Stefan Mitu has been the catalyst that keeps them going. He finished with 40 points in the first round contest, including 17 in the fourth quarter and hitting nine from deep altogether. Will the Berkeley defense control the East Bay Athletic League's top player?

Berkeley is coming off a thrilling one point win at Freedom and has boosted its confidence into the semifinals. Although it has already qualified for the Northern California playoffs, a shot at an NCS championship berth is all on its mind. Five players scored in double-figures on Friday, highlighted by 19 points by from Bryan Morris. Defensively, they have allowed an average of 61 points per game and will need to improve that number if they hope to pull off the upset in Alamo. A tough inside defense will be key in hopes of stopping the LaSells brothers along with stopping the scoring machine Stefan Mitu.

De La Salle vs. San Ramon ValleyThe De La Salle Spartans have been in cruise control throughout the first two rounds. They have beaten their opponents by a combined 65 points and have scored 60-plus in both contests. Junior Jordan Ratinho finished with 26 points and hit five threes in the quarterfinals win over Heritage. Nikhil Peters was a rebounding machine, finishing with ten behind his tremendous athletic ability. They outscored San Ramon Valley by 27 points in two games this season, including a 21 point drubbing at home back in January.

San Ramon Valley has won three straight since pulling a monster victory over rival Monte Vista, 48-40. Senior guard Keith Smith has been the focal point of the success, but hasn't been the only contributor. Kyle Spackman tallied 17 points in the quarterfinals and Christian Fuca added 15. Center Gregg Polosky will also be a brutal force to stop inside, as his 6'10" frame will be the tallest inside. Spackman enters at 6'7" and will add to the rebounding game as they will likely need to also crash the boards in hopes of advancing to the championship. In the two playoff games thus far, they have won by 24 and 25 points, respectively.